- Quote: "It tends to promote the interests of a particular nation, especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty over its perceived homeland to create a nation-state."
A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity, culture, and sovereignty.
Definition of Nationalism: Nationalism refers to the belief that people who share a common identity, history, culture or language should have their own nation-state with sovereign power.
Historical Context of Nationalism: The historical context of Nationalism dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Europe, where it was used to mobilize people towards national liberation and independence movements.
Types of Nationalism: Nationalism can be categorized into three types: ethnic nationalism, political nationalism and civic nationalism. Ethnic nationalism refers to the belief that only people who share a common ethnicity should be a part of the nation-state, while political nationalism bases nationality on political loyalty, and civic nationalism considers citizenship as the foundation of nationality.
Nationalism and Identity: Nationalism has been closely linked with the construction of identity, particularly the concept of national identity, which refers to a shared sense of belonging among people who share national borders or cultural characteristics.
Nationalism and Patriotism: While nationalism and patriotism are often used interchangeably, there is a crucial difference between the two. Patriotism refers to love for one's country and its people, while nationalism implies a desire for a separate and distinct nation-state.
Rise of Nationalism: Nationalism has been on the rise globally, particularly in Europe and America, where it has been fuelled by economic, political and social factors.
Nationalism and Globalization: The forces of globalization have challenged the concept of national sovereignty, culture, and identity in recent times. This has led to a resurgence of nationalism as a response to the perceived threat posed by globalization.
Nationalism and International Relations: Nationalism has had a profound impact on international relations, shaping the way nations interact with one another, and influencing the course of global politics.
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflicts: Nationalism has often been associated with ethnic conflict, particularly in multi-ethnic states, where different ethnic groups compete for political power and resources.
Critiques of Nationalism: Nationalism has faced several critiques, including its exclusive and divisive nature, potential for violence and suppression of minority groups.
Nationalism and Democracy: Nationalism can both support and undermine democracy, depending on how it is implemented, with some arguing that true democracy requires the involvement of all citizens, regardless of their nationality.
Nationalism and National Security: Nationalism is often closely linked to national security, with many arguing that a strong, unified nation-state is key to protecting its citizens and interests from external or internal threats.
Nationalism and Internationalism: Nationalism and Internationalism are often viewed as opposing ideas, but some argue that they can coexist and complement one another, particularly in issues such as global governance and human rights.
Nationalism and Global Citizenship: The idea of global citizenship challenges the traditional concept of nationalism and offers a more inclusive and cosmopolitan view of identity and community.
Future of Nationalism: Given the complex and evolving nature of nationalism, it remains to be seen how it will shape global politics in the future, and what role it will play in facilitating or hindering global cooperation and peace.
Civic Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that emphasizes citizenship and civic responsibilities. It is based on the idea that anyone can become a member of the nation if they adhere to the laws and values of the country.
Ethnic Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that asserts that the nation is defined by a shared ethnic or cultural identity. It emphasizes the importance of common ancestry, language, and culture.
Cultural Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that emphasizes the cultural heritage of a nation. It promotes the preservation and celebration of a nation's traditional customs, values, and practices.
Liberal Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that combines the principles of liberalism with nationalism. It emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and democracy.
Expansionist Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that advocates for the territorial expansion of a nation. It often leads to imperialism and colonialism.
Revolutionary Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that seeks to overthrow the existing government and establish a new form of nationalism. It often involves violent conflict and revolution.
Pan-Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that promotes the unification of a particular ethnic or cultural group that is spread across different countries or regions. It emphasizes the importance of a shared identity and common goals.
Religious Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that links the nation's identity with a particular religion. It emphasizes the importance of following the tenets of the religion as a way to preserve the nation's identity.
Anti-Colonial Nationalism: It is a type of nationalism that emerged during the colonial period in response to foreign domination. It seeks to liberate the nation from external control and establish independence.
- Quote: "It holds that each nation should govern itself, free from outside interference (self-determination), that a nation is a natural and ideal basis for a polity, and that the nation is the only rightful source of political power."
- Quote: "It further aims to build and maintain a single national identity, based on a combination of shared social characteristics such as culture, ethnicity, geographic location, language, politics, religion, traditions, and belief in a shared singular history."
- Quote: "Nationalism, therefore, seeks to preserve and foster a nation's traditional culture."
- Quote: "The two main divergent forms identified by scholars are ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism."
- Quote: "Beginning in the late 18th century, particularly with the French Revolution and the spread of the principle of popular sovereignty or self-determination, the idea that 'the people' should rule is developed by political theorists."
- Quote: "This view has since been rejected by most scholars, and nations are now viewed as socially constructed and historically contingent."
- Quote: "Modernization theory... adopts a constructivist approach and proposes that nationalism emerged due to processes of modernization, such as industrialization, urbanization, and mass education, which made national consciousness possible."
- Quote: "Proponents of this theory describe nations as 'imagined communities' and nationalism as an 'invented tradition' in which shared sentiment provides a form of collective identity and binds individuals together in political solidarity."
- Quote: "A third theory, ethnosymbolism explains nationalism as a product of symbols, myths, and traditions, and is associated with the work of Anthony D. Smith."
- Quote: "The moral value of nationalism, the relationship between nationalism and patriotism, and the compatibility of nationalism and cosmopolitanism are all subjects of philosophical debate."
- Quote: "Nationalism can be combined with diverse political goals and ideologies such as conservatism (national conservatism and right-wing populism) or socialism (left-wing nationalism)."
- Quote: "In practice, nationalism is seen as positive or negative depending on its ideology and outcomes."
- Quote: "Nationalism has been a feature of movements for freedom and justice, has been associated with cultural revivals, and encourages pride in national achievements."
- Quote: "It has also been used to legitimize racial, ethnic, and religious divisions, suppress or attack minorities, and undermine human rights and democratic traditions."
- Quote: "It tends to promote the interests of a particular nation, especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty over its perceived homeland to create a nation-state."
- Quote: "It further aims to build and maintain a single national identity, based on a combination of shared social characteristics such as culture, ethnicity, geographic location, language, politics (or the government), religion, traditions and belief in a shared singular history."
- Quote: "It holds that each nation should govern itself, free from outside interference (self-determination), that a nation is a natural and ideal basis for a polity, and that the nation is the only rightful source of political power."
- Quote: "Three main theories have been used to explain the emergence of nationalism: Primordialism (perennialism), Modernization theory, and Ethnosymbolism."
- Quote: "Nationalism, therefore, seeks to preserve and foster a nation's traditional culture."